Groundbreaking Adelaide study sheds light on doggy dementia

A groundbreaking new study by the University of Adelaide is working to understand canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), commonly known as doggy dementia, and establish how training can help it. 

The progressive condition, which affects up to 60 per cent of dogs over the age of 11, often goes undiagnosed, with owners mistaking symptoms for normal signs of aging.

Tori Watkins' beloved companion Arnya radically changed before she was diagnosed with CCD.

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"She became really noise sensitive and couldn't cope with going out to busy places like she used to," Watkins said. 

"People just think, 'Oh, my dog has selective hearing,' but it could be that they're not remembering how to do that task."

Like in humans, the dementia is incurable. 

However, researchers at the University of Adelaide are exploring innovative training exercises to potentially improve symptoms. 

"The more we can get them thinking and challenged by some problems and some perceptions and those sorts of things, the more we think it will help them," explained Tracey Taylor, a researcher involved in the study.

The study, conducted over five weeks, offers free weekly sessions where dogs participate in scent, balance, and obstacle activities. 

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Nicole, another study participant, has observed positive changes in her dog since doing the training. 

"She has definitely been sleeping better at night and been sort of more happy and confident around things that she wasn't before," she said.

To expand their research, the university is actively seeking elderly dogs over the age of eight to join the study. 

Anyone interested in enrolling their dog can directly contact the University of Adelaide. 

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.